In Current Affairs for 21 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 21 January 2026
Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya Foundation Day 2026
Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya are observing their Foundation Day on 21 January 2026, marking 54 years of statehood. This occasion commemorates the historic implementation of the North Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971, which significantly transformed the administrative and political framework of India’s Northeast.
On 21 January 1972, these three regions were officially granted statehood. Before this landmark transition, Tripura and Manipur functioned as Union Territories, while Meghalaya remained part of Assam. Achieving statehood enabled them to exercise greater legislative authority, political autonomy and administrative independence.
Manipur’s journey is particularly distinct. Once a princely state, it merged with the Indian Union in 1949 through the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh. Although it later became a Union Territory, public demand for full statehood continued, culminating in Manipur becoming India’s 19th state in 1972.
Tripura, ruled for centuries by the Manikya dynasty, also merged with India in 1949. Rising administrative and demographic pressures led to growing demands for enhanced self-governance, which were fulfilled when Tripura attained statehood under the 1971 Act.
Meghalaya’s evolution followed a different path. Previously a part of Assam, it comprised the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. Strong regional movements sought protection of tribal traditions and local governance systems. Meghalaya first became an autonomous state in 1970 and was later elevated to full statehood in 1972, emerging as India’s 21st state.
International Year of Cooperatives 2025
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” The initiative acknowledges the vital contribution of cooperative institutions in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Cooperatives operate on the principles of shared ownership, democratic participation and collective benefit. They play a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as poverty reduction, social inequality and sustainable employment generation.
The year-long observance aims to encourage governments, financial institutions and communities to strengthen cooperative enterprises. India has actively aligned itself with this vision, drawing upon its cooperative ethos rooted in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and reinforced through initiatives like “Sahkar se Samriddhi.”
Abu Dhabi Declared World’s Safest City
Abu Dhabi has once again been ranked as the world’s safest city, securing the top position for the 10th consecutive year in the global safety index released by Numbeo.
The ranking evaluates cities based on crime levels, public perception of safety, efficiency of law enforcement and overall living conditions. Abu Dhabi’s consistent performance since 2017 reflects its low crime rates, strict legal framework and robust public security mechanisms.
The city’s safety record is further strengthened by advanced surveillance infrastructure, smart city technologies and efficient emergency response systems, making it a global benchmark for urban security and quality of life.
India’s First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming Project
India has launched its first open-sea marine fish farming pilot project, marking a significant step towards harnessing the economic potential of its marine resources. The initiative focuses on finfish and seaweed cultivation in the Andaman Sea.
The project was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, during a visit to North Bay. He described it as a transformative move from coastal aquaculture to farming in open-ocean environments.
Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, the specially designed open-sea cages are engineered to withstand strong waves and currents. Alongside finfish cultivation, deep-water seaweed farming is being promoted, offering sustainable livelihood opportunities and boosting India’s blue economy.
UAE Emerges as India’s Second-Largest LNG Supplier
India and the United Arab Emirates have strengthened their energy partnership through a long-term LNG supply agreement signed during the official visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi.
Under this deal, the UAE will supply 0.5 million metric tonnes of LNG annually, making it India’s second-largest LNG supplier after Qatar. The agreement ensures energy security amid rising domestic demand driven by rapid urbanisation and industrial growth.
Liquefied Natural Gas, a relatively cleaner fossil fuel, is widely used in power generation, industrial processes and domestic cooking. This partnership also marks an expansion of India–UAE cooperation from traditional oil trade to cleaner energy sources.
Vidarbha Create History in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Vidarbha scripted history by winning their first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy, defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru.
The team showcased remarkable consistency throughout the tournament and rose to the occasion against a formidable opponent. The victory was especially significant as Saurashtra is a two-time champion of the competition.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic 50-over List A tournament, is named after legendary cricketer Vijay Hazare. While Vidarbha have earlier tasted success in the Ranji Trophy, this win highlights their growing dominance in limited-overs cricket.
Ravi Shankar Chhabi Appointed DIG in CRPF
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the appointment of Ravi Shankar Chhabi as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on central deputation.
The appointment, cleared against an existing vacancy, was formalised through an MHA order dated 19 January 2026. The Uttar Pradesh government has been directed to relieve him immediately to facilitate his new role.
This posting follows standard central deputation norms and strengthens leadership within India’s largest paramilitary force.
Review Questions
1. Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya celebrate their Foundation Day on which date?
A. 15 August
B. 21 January
C. 26 January
D. 1 November
Answer: B. 21 January
2. The statehood of Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya was granted under which Act?
A. States Reorganisation Act, 1956
B. North Eastern Council Act, 1971
C. North Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971
D. Assam Reorganisation Act, 1972
Answer: C. North Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971
3. Manipur became which numbered state of the Indian Union in 1972?
A. 17th
B. 18th
C. 19th
D. 21st
Answer: C. 19th
4. The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives with which theme?
A. Cooperatives for Sustainable Growth
B. People-Centred Development
C. Cooperatives Build a Better World
D. Shared Growth Through Cooperation
Answer: C. Cooperatives Build a Better World
5. Which global platform ranked Abu Dhabi as the world’s safest city for the 10th consecutive year?
A. World Economic Forum
B. Mercer
C. Numbeo
D. UN Habitat
Answer: C. Numbeo
6. India’s first open-sea marine fish farming pilot project has been launched in which region?
A. Arabian Sea
B. Bay of Bengal
C. Lakshadweep Sea
D. Andaman Sea
Answer: D. Andaman Sea
7. The open-sea cages used in India’s marine fish farming project were developed by which institution?
A. CSIR–NIO
B. National Institute of Ocean Technology
C. Indian Council of Agricultural Research
D. National Fisheries Development Board
Answer: B. National Institute of Ocean Technology
8. Which country has become India’s second-largest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?
A. Russia
B. Australia
C. United Arab Emirates
D. United States
Answer: C. United Arab Emirates
9. Which team won the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time in the 2025–26 season?
A. Haryana
B. Karnataka
C. Saurashtra
D. Vidarbha
Answer: D. Vidarbha
10. Ravi Shankar Chhabi has been appointed as DIG in which organisation?
A. BSF
B. CISF
C. ITBP
D. CRPF
Answer: D. CRPF
